Temperatures are set to soar across much of the UK in the coming days, with forecasters predicting highs of up to 33°C in parts of England. The spell of hot weather will follow in the wake of Storm Floris, which brought cooler conditions and strong winds to northern regions earlier this week.
From Sunday, a shift in weather patterns will draw warm air from the southwest, raising temperatures significantly, according to the Met Office. Southern and eastern areas are expected to see the most intense heat, with central England also likely to feel the impact.
Tropical Air Mass Drives Sharp Temperature Rise
Meteorologists say the change is linked to the remnants of Tropical Storm Dexter, which are funnelling warm air northwards across the country. “From Sunday, temperatures will begin to rise across southern parts of the UK,” the Met Office stated, noting that the hot air will push readings above 30°C in some areas by Monday.
Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Meteorologist, said: “We’re confident that temperatures will increase markedly by the start of next week, reaching the low 30s Celsius in parts of England on Monday and perhaps the mid 30s in a few places on Tuesday.”
WX Charts weather maps indicate that southern England, including London, will see highs approaching 29°C by midweek, with the heat extending as far north as Birmingham. Meanwhile, Leeds and Newcastle are forecast to experience temperatures comfortably above 20°C.
While the warm spell will be most pronounced in southern and central regions, northern parts of the UK are expected to remain cooler, particularly Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the recent unsettled weather pattern may persist.
Uncertainty Over Duration of Hot Spell
Despite confidence in the initial temperature surge, meteorologists remain cautious about how long the heatwave will last. Keates explained that “Ex-Dexter sets the wheels in motion for an uptick in temperatures, but the weather patterns then maintaining any hot weather are rather more uncertain.”
The Met Office long-range forecast for 12 to 21 August suggests that the southeast will likely experience a “spell of hot weather” early in the period, with the potential for it to continue into the week. There is also the possibility of thunderstorms developing in southern areas as the hot air interacts with more humid conditions.
Forecasters are urging people to prepare for the potential impacts of the heat, particularly in urban centres where night-time temperatures may remain elevated. While the hot weather will be welcomed by many after a cooler start to the month, it also brings increased risk of heat-related health issues and strain on infrastructure.
